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Non Adhesive Labels – Are Some Better than Others?

Non adhesive labels are a viable solution in environments where the sticky material could damage the items surface or is specifically prohibited. A good example is for labeling equipment or laboratory items. The adhesive might be a contaminant or simply will cause damage upon application. Unfortunately, not all non adhesive labels are created equally and this article covers qualities that could potentially make them a better buying option.

The makeup of a non-adhesive label or tag is created from stock much like a greeting card. Different types of stock offer increased durability and last longer than others. For example, synthetic tag stock does not tear as easily, has a longer usage life, and may be customized throughout the entire production process. If you are trying to decide what non adhesive label qualities are best for your identification needs, the following information can be helpful.

What Decisions Are Most Important?

To be effective, non adhesive labels need to be made from durable facestock, use the right ink, and have the proper protective coating. The material that is actually cut and printed on is referred to as facestock. This is a choice you want to make wisely since the wrong material will result in tearing or additionally damaging results. These materials are able to have several resistance qualities such as moisture protection, chemical resistance, and smudge prevention. Non adhesive label facestock may be derived from a number of different materials including:

  • Paper
  • Foil
  • Film
  • Tapes

The most common facestock for this purpose is a thicker form of paper stock or synthetic film. The typical thickness for a non adhesive label is around 70 millimeters or 7/1000 of an inch. Thickness is an important decision factor since a thicker tag will be less likely to tear throughout use. A thinner stock will be more likely to experience damage.

The protective layer placed over the facestock is an important non adhesive label characteristic because it prevents wear, smudging, and unexpected damage. This protective layer is typically either a varnish or a laminate. Laminates are a type of film, which are fused to the label to provide a high gloss finish. They are a good choice for diverting damage caused by chemicals and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Finally, the processes and inks used to create the non adhesive label will also play a pivotal role in its durability. Certain inks such as UV inks deliver further durability in abrasive conditions and do not fade as easily. Water-based inks provide the most cost effective option for paper stock applications. The ink choice will directly affect the end quality and durability of any non adhesive label.

At Shamrock Labels, we offer numerous options in all three areas to ensure your non adhesive tags are able to withstand their environment as well as the unexpected. We have a solution you can count on, whether they will be used in a wet environment, exposed to chemicals, exposed to extreme cold, or used in a more general setting. Contact us today to see what options we can offer to ensure your non adhesive labels provide the desired degree of performance.

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